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FORD Zodiac Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 1962
Engines: Gasoline
FORD Zodiac photo gallery

Ford introduced the fourth generation of the Zephyr on the market in 1966, and, at the same time, it unveiled the model's luxury version, the Zephyr Zodiac.

Although the two models were, basically, the same vehicle, the Zodiac was almost a premium vehicle for its times. It looked different and sported options that were unavailable for the regular Zephyr lineup. Ford started to work on the MKIV Zephyr/Zodiac in 1961. It insisted on getting new technologies on the car, such as the rear independent suspension, an alternator instead of a dynamo, and even a cigarette lighter. Even though the Zodiac was the upmarket model, it was offered in two trim levels, with the Executive being the full-options one.

The biggest exterior difference between the Zephyr and the Zodiac was the front fascia. While the Zephyr featured two headlights, the Zodiac sported a dual-headlamps system. Both versions were adorned with a chromed metallic grille and chromed bumpers. Unusually for those times, the cars featured fender-mounted rear-view mirrors on both sides.

Inside, the Zodiac featured two bucket seats at the front and a bench in the rear. A tilt mechanism was fitted as standard for front seats. The dashboard was padded on the upper side, while the front side was flat and sported an instrument panel with more gauges than the Zephyr. Ford advertised the ammeter as an important gauge.

Under the hood, Ford dropped a 3.0-liter V6 engine paired to a three-speed automatic gearbox. A no-cost option for a four-speed manual transmission was offered.

full description and technical specifications
gasoline engines:

FORD Zodiac 3.0

FORD Zodiac photo gallery

Ford decided to change its European strategy and allowed a size increase for the Zodiac, while the Consul was kept in the mid-size range.

It was a good time for Ford of Europe and for the Ford UK in particular. The Zodiac MK3 was designed by the same man who drew the lines of the Edsel, which was a total failure on the U.S. market. He was exiled in the U.K. and made the successful Cortina and the Zodiac before returning to the U.S. to make the Econoline vans.

After it failed to design the Edsel in the U.S., Roy Brown calmed down and designed more conventional grilles for the blue-oval brand. The Zodiac was available with four or six-cylinder engines. The smaller ones featured a complete chromed grille with vertical slats, while the six-cylinder versions featured a split design.

Inside, Roy Brown installed a straight dashboard with a lower rim and a flat panel between the top and the bottom. A linear speedometer and a few extra gauges were placed in front of the driver. The steering wheel sported two V-shaped spokes. Thanks to the big wheelbase, the Zodiac was comfortable enough for up to six passengers if the car was fitted with a front bench instead of two bucket-seats. Ford U.K. thought that a big trunk would help the sales, and the designer installed one of the biggest luggage compartments in the segment. For those who asked for more, the carmaker offered a station-wagon based on the same Zodiac.

Under the hood, Ford installed a 1.7-liter carried over from the MkII and a new, 2.6-liter inline-six engine paired to a four-speed manual with the gear-lever mounted on the steering column.

full description and technical specifications
gasoline engines:

FORD Zodiac 2.6